Medical Treatment of Alopecia

The 2018 document reviewed medical treatments for alopecia, distinguishing between scarring and non-scarring types. It covered topical treatments like minoxidil, which alters hair growth phases, and systemic treatments such as finasteride and immunosuppressants. The document noted that while topical treatments can be beneficial, systemic treatments may be necessary for severe cases, and side effects can range from mild to serious. Specific findings included oral cyclosporine inducing hair regrowth in 50% of patients with alopecia universalis (7 participants), and methotrexate achieving over 50% regrowth in 67.7% of 31 patients with alopecia areata. Low-level light therapy and certain vitamins and supplements also showed benefits. Pharmacogenetics was mentioned as a promising approach to personalize treatment. The conclusion emphasized minoxidil, finasteride, PRP, and hair transplants as the most effective treatments for androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata, with steroids, sensitizers, and immunosuppressants used for autoimmune alopecia. Hair transplants were recommended for androgenic alopecia and stable scarring alopecia.